Harlan County, USA

Kentucky coal miners struggle for economic freedom.

Cinematographer- Hart Perry

Director- Barbara Kopple

photo: A strikebreaker takes aim at cinematographer, Hart Perry, during the production.

1976- Portraying a classic twentieth century conflict between labor and management, Harlan County, USA chronicles the efforts of 180 coal mining families to win a United Mine Workers contract in Kentucky. The real beauty of Harlan County, USA is the intimacy with which we come to know those 180 families. We see the emotions and changes, which occurred during their year long strike. And finally, we come to realize the strike is only a year out of a lifelong struggle.